"Almost Absolutely None Of The Hottest New Music Since 2007" News and opinions about the best music ever - the new albums, tours and reissues by the greatest rock, hip-hop, country, blues and reggae artists. With some newer artists thrown in, because there's always great new music being made.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

LITTLE PINK HOUSES FOR (SOME OF YOU) AND (FOR SURE) ME

Ever since Ronald Reagan used Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A." without asking permission (or, apparently, even reading the lyrics about how a vet got screwed over by his country after returning from the war), it's been kind of funny how politicians from both sides of the fence (mainly republicans though) try to co-opt songs without regard to the rights of the author, and without regard to the song's message beyond the chorus.

Another favorite of mine was george w. bush's usage of the Foo Fighters song "Times Like These," which offended Dave Grohl to the point that he went on tour with John Kerry.

Now, John McCain, seemingly one of the less vile republican candidates, has been using some of John Mellencamp's songs, including "Pink Houses." Mellencamp - who was a John Edwards supporter and a longtime Democrat - wasn't having that. And with lyrics like "'Cause the simple man baby pays the thrills, the bills, the pills that kill." Was McCain even listening? Anyway, good for you John (Mellencamp).

About Me

Who's on tour? What are they playing? Who's still in the band these days? What's on that box set? Don't I have all of that stuff already? That's the stuff NO EXPIRATION sorts out for you. So you don't end up being the loudmouth at the Neil Young show who yells out "Heart Of Gold" when he's only doing garage rock with Crazy Horse. Or you're not the person complaining at George Clinton's shows because Bootsy isn't there (but odds are, he won't be there). You get the idea - I'll let you know what's up, and you won't have to weed through stories about lame celebs or (many) bands you haven't heard of.